Is the Crema on top of your Espresso important?

Is the "Crema" on top of your Espresso important?  Seems like it's the be all and end all of espresso enthusiasts around the world.  We overhear espresso drinkers comparing the Crema on top of their espresso's as if they are comparing their annual income...or how fast their car can go!  

Anyhow, our belief is yes...it is important!!  A strong crema, indicates freshness and also tells the Barista if he/she is brewing correctly.  In the short of it, the crema on top of your espresso should hold sugar for a minimum of 3-5 seconds.  Furthermore, once the sugar finally sinks through it, the Crema should close up around the sunken sugar.  Check out this video...now that's CREMA!!  Yup...now that's an Espresso Bella!

Espresso Bella Inc. - Espresso & Coffee Catering Toronto